NFL mock draft: Updated 4-round projections with trades

NFL mock draft: Updated 4-round projections with trades

We’re only a week away from the 2018 NFL draft, and we’re already seeing rumors crazier than whatever they’re frying down at the county fair.

No real draft is complete without some blockbuster trades, and while we’ve already seen a few go down involving first-round selections, you can bet we haven’t seen the last of them. Expect another seismic swap or two on draft weekend, if not before.

To that end, it’s time to take another stab at projecting the first four rounds of this year’s draft, complete with a few projected trades that could shake things up even further.

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1. Cleveland Browns | Sam Darnold | QB | USC

I’m convinced the Browns are taking a quarterback here, but I just can’t get on the Josh Allen bandwagon. New general manager John Dorsey has a perfect bridge in Tyrod Taylor, which will give Darnold the time to develop, and his floor is much higher than Allen’s.

2. New York Giants | Saquon Barkley | RB | Penn State

I just don’t think the Giants will get a sweet enough offer to move off this pick. If they’re prepared to ride with Eli Manning and see what Davis Webb has before investing in another young quarterback, I see them taking the best player available, and that’s Barkley.

3. New York Jets (from IND) | Baker Mayfield | QB | Oklahoma

The Jets didn’t trade three second-round picks to move up to this spot for anything but a quarterback, and I think Mayfield’s their guy. A fiery competitor who plays his best football when the lights are brightest, Mayfield would be a blast to watch in the Big Apple.

Even if Barkley is still on the board, I see the Browns opting for Chubb, easily the best edge defender in a weak class. Pairing him up with Myles Garrett, last year’s No. 1 overall pick, would give Cleveland an embarrassment of riches at a premium position.

5. Arizona Cardinals (from DEN)* | Josh Allen | QB | Wyoming

Finally, something to shake up the top five. I don’t know if the Broncos are sold on any of the available quarterbacks in this scenario, but I wouldn’t be surprised to see a team like the Cardinals, which has a pair of serviceable veterans in Sam Bradford and Mike Glennon, jump up for Allen. They’ll have to give up a 1st next year and a 2nd this year, if not more.

6. Indianapolis Colts (from NYJ) | Quenton Nelson | G | Notre Dame

I’m sure Chris Ballard’s phone will be ringing off the hook at this point, with teams trying to jump up for one of the remaining quarterbacks. But with such a stud prospect at a huge position of need still on the board, it would have to be a huge haul to get the Colts to move off this pick. Nelson is a steal outside the top five.

7. Buffalo Bills (from TB)* | Josh Rosen | QB | UCLA

Why would the Bills trade ahead of a bunch of teams that aren’t taking a quarterback you ask? To keep another QB-needy team from doing it. They may not get the Colts to bite with Nelson still on the board, but the Bucs would likely be willing partners in this scenario. Rosen is the most polished, pro-ready passer in this class, making him a steal here.

8. Chicago Bears | Tremaine Edmunds | LB | Virginia Tech

With Nelson off the board, the Bears change gears and look for value and upside on defense. The bigger need is for an edge rusher, but Edmunds has the size, athleticism and versatility to perhaps develop into an impact player at that spot. If not, he’s still a rare prospect with impressive physical tools, and he’s just 19 years old.

9. San Francisco 49ers | Roquan Smith | LB | Georgia

With Reuben Foster’s future in San Francisco in serious doubt, linebacker has become one of the biggest needs on this roster. Smith is one of the most complete players in this draft, with the athleticism, instincts and physicality to instantly transform an entire defense. He’s a bargain here.

10. Oakland Raiders | Minkah Fitzpatrick | DB | Alabama

With needs at both corner and safety, why not take a guy who can play both? One of the most versatile prospects in this year’s class, Fitzpatrick can line up outside, in the slot, or on the back end, with his intelligence and instincts making him one of the best players on the field, no matter where he ends up.

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